Easy Dinner Ideas: The Fresh Market’s Little Big Meal

I constantly struggle with the same dilemma every single week: what’s for dinner? It’s a question that I dread. The only aspect of culinary art I enjoy is the part where I get to eat. Unfortunately for my family, cooking is something I don’t enjoy much. I hate the entire process of cooking: meal planning, grocery shopping, prepping, cooking, and cleaning. It’s completely bizarre because my grandmother and mother are amazing and thoughtful cooks who show their love through their food. They’ll make their own kimchi, roll their own noodles, and spend an insane amount of time making homemade dumplings (just to give a few examples of dedication).

But I bring good news to meal planners near and far (whether you like to cook or not)! I recently discovered something that even I, one who dreads planning dinners, could be excited about for meal times. Every Thursday, The Fresh Market has a weekly special called Little Big Meal. They provide all the basic ingredients for a full meal to feed a family of 4 (with lots of leftovers). Themes vary by month. Check out some of their past and current meals:

Asian noodle bowls (they even had a Korean stir fry option!) and pound cake for dessert

Full meal options for Spaghetti. The 36oz cut fruit alone is normally $10.

Not only does the Fresh Market make it easy by providing everything you need for your “Little Big Meal” at a designated section of their store (with samples), but their bundles are a steal at $20. Shoppers can save between $7-$13 per bundle. Depending on the monthly theme, each meal package comes with a variety of options so you can mix it up: protein (they’ve recently added vegetarian options), carb (many are gluten free), sauces, flavors, etc. If you’re not familiar with The Fresh Market, it’s a great store for prepared foods, meats and cheeses, and other specialty items. Their price point can be a bit high, but if you look for their weekly sales, you can make out pretty well. Shopping here is also a pleasant experience: the open layout, warm lighting, classical music, and overall presentation are much more appealing than some of other big-name grocery stores.

So now, at least once or twice a month, I’ll buy a “Little Big Meal” so that it’s at least one less meal I have to think about planning. And while it’s not an “I-made-everything-from-scratch” kind of dinner (which I do put together despite my all inner resistance), it is a quick and easy alternative and much better than ordering pizza. Click here to see if there’s a Fresh Market near you.

The current promotion through November, although I admit this one is a bit lacking compared to other meals